Robbie Tutlewski of Little Donna’ s
Ask anyone for a Baltimore restaurant recommendation these days and you’ re likely to get“ Little Donna’ s” as an answer. That’ s probably because chef Robbie Tutlewski has created a comfort-filled space fit for a homebody in his Fell’ s Point outpost. Don’ t just take it from us— The New York Times named Little Donna’ s on its Best Restaurants list in 2023, just a year after its opening. Three years in and Tutlewski’ s offerings— which are inspired by his Chicago-based training and his family’ s Eastern European roots— are still just as delicious, innovative and comforting. Our top picks include the pierogies garnished with chili garlic oil and sesame seeds, the tavern-style taco pizza topped with crushed corn chips, and the pork schnitzel stuffed with kielbasa. 1812 Bank St.
Jesse Sandlin of Bunny’ s Buckets & Bubbles, Sally O’ s and The Dive
Don’ t expect to be bored when you step into one of Jesse Sandlin’ s restaurants. She’ s taken her 30 + years of hospitality expertise( and a stint on Bravo’ s“ Top Chef”) and created three distinct restaurant concepts. For celebratory vibes, head to Bunny’ s Buckets & Bubbles in Fell’ s Point for fried chicken and champagne, plus all the Southern sides you’ ve ever dreamed of. Just want a burger and a brew? The Dive in Highlandtown is your go-to( try the pickle pizza if you’ re feeling adventurous). And for when you need a date-night spot that you can fall in love with again and again, stop in at Sally O’ s. All three restaurants are quintessential Sandlin, combining bold flavors and maximalist interiors— something she’ s done at all of her outposts. At each spot, you’ ll see tongue-incheek neon signs, retro motifs( think:‘ 70s stripes and animal prints) and creative flavor combos. Bunny’ s: 801 S. Ann St.; The Dive: 3123 Elliott St.; Sally O’ s: 3531 Gough St.
TASTE
Jasmine Norton of The Urban Oyster
Jasmine Norton’ s father instilled in her a love for oysters at the age of 7. Today, Norton is not just a James Beard Award-nominated chef, she’ s also the first Black woman to own an oyster bar in the United States. When you dine at her Hampden restaurant, you can feel that love being passed down to you. The chef has appeared on Food Network’ s“ Guy’ s Grocery Games” and“ Chopped,” but sitting down for dinner is less of a high-stakes competition and more of a“ kick back, relax and enjoy” type of deal. We suggest you do that with an order of lobster corn dogs, grilled branzino and a dozen raw oysters, of course. 914 W. 36th St. VB
26 BALTIMORE. ORG